Historical films archive
This page contains historical films produced by or about the City of Lakewood. These videos are provided for reference and historical interest.
These historical videos are provided as archival content and may not meet current accessibility standards. If you need assistance accessing any of these materials, including captions or a transcript, please contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at ADACoordinator@lakewoodca.gov or 562-866-9771. The City will provide accessible formats upon request.
Historical video collection
CityTV’s collection of historical videos includes the 1954, pre-incorporation Lakewood Story as well as the 1959 version aimed at helping unincorporated communities understand the possibilities of the Lakewood Plan for contracting.
The experiences of Lakewood's suburban pioneers in 1950 and 1951 are highlighted a series that begins with Early Memories and continues with Moving In, City of Children,and Investing in Young Lakewood. Lakewood residents tell their own stories in It's a Wonderful Town.
The development of Lakewood and efforts to incorporate the city are told through profiles of city builders S. Mark Taper, Louis Boyar, Ben Weingart, and City Attorney John S. Todd.
The fight to prevent annexation in 1953 and the make Lakewood a city in 1954 is told in two programs: Annexation and City Born.
Snapshot Lakewood
In 2004, 2014 and 2024 CityTV crews headed out with cameras in tow to record a day in the life of the Lakewood community.
Starting at sunrise and continuing well into the night, videographers were busy documenting the goings-on throughout the city. Crews covered everything from youth sports, park activities and family gatherings, to shopping, dining and more.
The resulting videos showcase the everyday endeavors of residents in Lakewood.
City TV began capturing these moments on Oct. 30, 2004 as part of Lakewood’s 50th Anniversary commemoration. Video crews shot what the narrator suggests are "ordinary events giving insight into the essence of the community."
The “Snapshot Lakewood” programs, produced every 10 years, show us while change is inevitable, there are some constants in the life of the Lakewood community.
Snapshot 2004 video scrapbook
Snapshot 2014 video scrapbook
Snapshot 2024 video scrapbook